What We Do
We work in partnership and aim to achieve • an outstanding landscape, rich in wildlife and cultural heritage • a thriving, sustainable economy and vibrant communities • a strong connection between people and the landscape
The Bittern Award
The Bittern Awards were launched in 2008 to recognise groups, organisations or individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The current holder is Tony Riden (pictured) who for almost 25 years worked as the Arnside & Silverdale AONB Countryside Officer and during this time ran a very successful volunteer programme and made a huge contribution to the biodiversity of the area. To learn more about Tony’s story, visit our News page at https://www.arnsidesilverdaleaonb.org.uk/congratulations-tony/
Nominations for the 2019 Bittern Award have now closed and the winner will be announced at the Annual Conference in January.
Past recipients include:
2017 Bill Grayson – for 25 years working as a conservation grazing farmer in Arnside & Silverdale AONB
2016 Rob Petley-Jones – for his outstanding work at Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve to ensure that this special limestone landscape has been managed in a way that conserves its iconic habitats and species.
2015 Peter Standing – for his work managing the Arnside/Silverdale AONB Landscape Trust’s annual event programme since 2010; attracting, entertaining and informing many local people and visitors to the area.
2014 Barry Ayre – for his outstanding contribution over many years including his work compiling an historical archive and also as editor of Keer to Kent
2013 David Mower – for his work as Warden at RSPB Leighton Moss and outstanding commitment to nature conservation in the AONB
2012 Ann Kitchen – for her work as Chair of the Bittern Community Interest Company, in particular for setting up the AONB community solar photovoltaics initiative; and also her longstanding contribution to biodiversity recording as part of the Arnside Natural History Society
2011 Peter Goulder and Sheila Porter – for their work to restore an important heritage orchard within the AONB and for hosting the ever popular AONB Apple Days
2010 Martin Wain and Butterfly Conservation – for their work to conserve High Brown Fritillary butterflies in the AONB
2009 Arthur Boswell – for his many years service as an AONB volunteer
2008 Colin Peacock – for his longstanding commitment as AONB Executive Committee Chairman and involvement in the governance of the AONB since its designation
